Systems: Friend or foe?

"If you obey the rules, you can't survive." These words were said to be with such boldness this afternoon as I sipped my espresso and chatted with my friend Giz. As we talked about her native city, Istanbul, she told be about the chaos you find once you arrive in it. Organized chaos is how she defined the system in this metropolitan. It got me thinking about systems and structures.

Who created systems? Who was the person or the group that said that society had to function within a structural body? Hierarchical structures are found in every aspect of society, politics, economics, fashion, sports, universities and more. You name something and I am sure there is some structure to it. Are the structures in place to give people power, to maintain order, to create stability? Or are there structures so that people conform to an idea, a mission or goal? Are structures good or bad?

Well I would have to say they are a little of both. From one perspective, structures are a foundation that allows people to define roles and needs. The ability to shape ideas and how to attend to these plans or goals are catered by these systems. You are able to flourish through a structure and access the resources around it. Systems are comfortable, and for the most part reliable. People are not as skeptical of entering a well-established system because it allows us to conform to this dynamic settlement.

On the other had, structures usually begin as exciting and prosperous and eventually turn stagnate and uncreative.  There seems to be a lack of new ideas and . It is like cultivating a garden of tomatoes. You plant the seeds, await for the sun and rain to fuel your crop, but in the end you only get tomatoes and nothing else. The search for other fruits or vegetables are unattainable in this uniform structure. Like societal systems, the desire to plan a new crop is frightening. People are afraid to challenge the system and people within the system are too comfortable, or even complaisant to change.

What to do with this idea of structures and systems? I believe that you can find a happy medium. Structures are essential in order to build a foundation and set a precedent for more ideas to bloom from an original idea or mission. I think it is essential for people to function within a system in order to learn what it takes to build one or work within one. But, I also think that sometimes we need to fight the rules, challenge the stability to see if for one, it is in fact a stable and efficient system and two, to see if there anything new and creative that can make the structure more accessible and innovative. It's not a black and white question. There are shades of grey which are essential to explore. Organized chaos can sometimes be as effective as over-structured bodies. So, if you are one of those people in a system that feels complaisant and stagnate, bring on an innovative idea you may have to the table, it might just be the seed to a new fruit in your tomato garden.

Monday is the new Friday

 "Every other day, every other day, Every other day of the week is fine, yeah. But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes. You can find me cryin' all of the time" Lyrics from the Mamas and the Papas come to my head on this Monday morning. The feeling of a Monday mornings are always mixed and conflicting.

Laying in bed, you look at your alarm clock and notice it's already 7am on a Monday morning. No longer can you enjoy that Sunday morning of calm, it's time to get up and get on with your week. You might feel sad or even nostalgic of that serene feeling you had over the weekend, but the coffee pot is always brewing and the smell of morning food fills the air. As you race from one end of your house or apartment trying to put everything in your bag, getting dress and eating your breakfast, stop yourself for a second. Are chaotic Monday mornings going to be a life habit? Are you going to let the stresses and deadlines of the week influence the first day of the week? Yes, I know it may be hard for some of you but take your Monday morning as the day to fuel your week with positive thoughts with an optimistic outlook.

Wake up and think in your head or say out loud everything you are grateful for and excited for about the week. Take affirmative action to think positively on the first day of the week. I know that the first song I listen to on mornings that I seem unwilling to enjoy is Good Day by Nappy Roots. (check it out, it will make you smile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikWePjoHtVQ )

Think big, show the world your brightest colors and enjoy the very essence of a Monday morning by enjoying it as much as you would a Friday looking forward to the weekend! Happy Monday to all, make this day an amazing one!

Be an athlete without playing sports

What does this concept of being an athlete entail? Is it a physical practice, a mental state of mind or a psychological mindset? Do you have to play sports to grasp the very essence of being an athlete? All these questions can be easily answered, although they may vary from person to person. Here is my opinion on being an athlete.

I believe that it is a combination of physical, mental and psychological. The quintessence revolves around all three simultaneously. They work together in any situation. Whether you are searching for that job you want, getting that volleyball down for a kill or even completing a project for school, you can embody what it takes to be an athlete.

From a physical perspective, your body needs rest, nutrition and some TLC (tender, love and care) in order to fully engage with your mind, heart and soul. The need for the right dose of rest to be well attentive and receptive, the right nutrition to gain the right lasting fuel and the tender to love and care for the state where work meets play, the physical is a multi-dimensional component. Feeling good is essential to practice what you want. Imperatively, this need is a must to mobilize yourself from place to place. The consequence of not having the physical aspect of being an athlete is a disadvantage to all other components it takes to be an athlete. It is not the high volumes of caffeine or 1000 lbs of weights you lift that will give your body endurance and strength; it is treating your body as a prize possession.

The mental is something we can all say takes practice. Setting the mind on the right path to creativity and success is something you learn through obstacles and success. The mind is a tool that you need to sharpen every day for sustainability and growth. It is essential to sometimes step out of your comfort zone in order to test what your mind is capable of. Lack of challenges can make the mind stagnate. Challenging yourself through a difficult puzzle or sprint 100m under 7 seconds allowsnyou to develop an endurance and belief that you CAN complete something that might have seemed impossible before. The mind is sharp and strong enough to be challenged, so give it a shot, try something that you might have not thought possible or even take on a challenge someone entrusts in you. You learn to trust yourself through bigger challenges by accepting and defeating the small ones.

Last but not least, the psychological component of being an athlete. This is the one aspect of being an athlete that is in your control. You have the ability to access numerous resources that train you to confront any tasks or obstacles. Reading books of people that have achieved success in their domain or exploring different philosophies, religions and art can speak volumes to your psychological integrity. Read about people that have done what you are trying to do and challenge to surpass them by using what they have used for their success and add your touch to it. This is a creative process as you are the master of choice. You choose what you read, and evidently you choose what you believe.

Being an athlete goes beyond the court, the field, the track or the weight room, it’s a state of competitiveness you impose on yourself. Athletes have the luxury of exploring these physical, mental and psychological concepts. As a regular individual taking on the world, you can utilize these tactics to your own advantage. Become the athlete of your field. You will surely encounter grand success by utilizing these tactics to achieve what you set out for yourself. Needless to say, you don’t have to be wearing a uniform to embrace this; you can be wearing your sweats, your business suit or even just jeans and t-shirt. Try it out; you might surprise yourself on how much you can do.

More than politics and global commitment, there is art and poetry within this young Turkish lady

Giz, the Turkish native traveling from Istanbul to London and finally arriving to Geneva, exuberates a multiplicity of interests and passions. Another good friend I have made along the way, what I like about Giz is her dedication to the global community and her willingness to give her time and effort to noble causes. Along with these intentions to the international community, important causes and politics, she has a profound love for the arts. She has given me this poem of her favorite Turkish poet, Asik Vesel, which I believe came in at the perfect time. Here I am sharing it with you all as I believe it speaks to all in some way.

May the friends remember me
After I pass, my name remains
May the friends remember me
Weddings happen, holidays come
May the friends remember me
Soul flies from the cage
World is an inn, settlers depart
The moon wanders, years go by
May the friends remember me
Body will be deprived of life
Hearth won’t burn, smoke won’t rise
By armfuls, salutes I pass
May the friends remember me
Many blooms thrive and fade
Who had laughed, who’ll be glad
Desire’s lie, real is death
May the friends remember me
Into evening will turn the days
Behold what soon will take place
Veysel departs, his name remains
May the friends remember me

She claimed that the translation does not to the poem justice, but I believe it speaks volumes about friendship. J.

My first goodbye, but surely not farewell

Yesterday I walked down by the lake with my South Korean friend Julie and Nepali friend Tenzin. We gazed out onto the beautiful landscape before us and discussed about life, love and the future. It was calming and refreshing to be among friends after a week of chasing dreams and opportunities. While we discussed of plans and new beginnings, I could not shake the feeling that it would be the last time we would gather by the lake side in Creux de Genthod for a very long time. I was getting ready to say my goodbyes to Julie as she had finally packed her bags to travel to Paris, then London and onto Salamanca where she would go to learn Spanish for a period of three months.

Julie and I went to dinner and avoided the topic itself. We talked and laughed about everything we had gone through and both happily agreed that even through tough times, we were glad to have come to Geneva. We had become friends and that friendship will surely last a lifetime. Julie is a bright, loving and genuine individual I am excited to see shine in the future. She has so much potential and zest for life which makes it undoubtedly certain she will accomplish everything she aspires to do. I hope she sees what I have seen in her in the last month and that she uses everything she possess as well as the thick skin she has gained through this experience, to pursue goals she never thought possible.

As she walked me up to the train station, we began to say how much we appreciated the other and how it has been a journey we would never forget. I know that we will see each other in the future, either in Europe or South Korea and that the reunion will surely be comical and exciting. Until then, I continue to purse what I came here to do as she embarks on a new journey towards a foreign land. Goodbye Julie, have fun, enjoy every moment and be fearless in everything you do. Annyeonghi gyeseyo for now!!

Through the eyes of an outsider looking in

Writing mostly about what drives me and what I am seeing during my travels, I almost forgot talk about what fills these places and how they are able to function. In each city, what drives the banks, the stores, the organizations and companies are the people. People who wake every morning ready to submerge themselves in their daily routine. What drives them, I don't know but here is a brief ethnography of the people in Geneva.

Ironed suits, professional attire, heavy briefcases and coiffed hair, most people of Geneva present themselves as business and political figures. Yes, there are still people dressed in their fashionable European attire riding around on their scooters or strolling along the lake, but the general feeling is professional and well put together. Whether you are sitting in a café or peeking into a window of a business, the sense of a fast paced environment filled with deadlines and pricey ensembles captures the very essence of the city.

What I like most about Geneva are Saturday mornings, people fill the streets running their weekend errands. The site is less work related and more relaxed and casual. Parents dragging their children into the grocery stores or in the museums to gain more knowledge they might not have acquired during the week, Geneva seems to go into a different state during the weekend.

If you are curious, come and see for yourself. Take a trip to Geneva, come visit me (of course) and see what I live in and encounter everyday. I hope you all got the sense I get when I wander around in the city of politics, businesses and industrial entrepreneurship. .

A word from Méziane.

Today one of my best friends, Lauren Fanelli, reminded me of something my father gave once when I was in college. My dad has always been someone who has been behind me 101%. I am sharing this with you all after keeping this to myself.

 Divine order takes charge of my life today and every day.  All things work together for good for me today. This is a new and wonderful day for me.  There will never be another day like this one. I am divinely guided all day long and whatever I do will prosper.  Divine love surrounds me, enfolds me, and entraps me, and I go forth in peace.

Whenever my attention wanders away from that which is good and constructive, I will immediately bring it back to the contemplation of that which is lovely and of good report.  I am a spiritual magnet attracting to myself all things that bless and prosper me.  I am going to be a wonderful success in all my undertakings today.  I am definitely going to be happy all day long.

I can't remember where he got this from, but it worked on me. Hopefully it works for you too. Merci papa!!

Search for the Green Mermaid

Modern furniture, smiling employees, abundance of cakes and sandwiches and the sweet smell of strong, bold coffee. Yes, I am describing my favorite café, Starbucks. Whether I am in Washington D.C, Ottawa or Geneva, this place has become a place of escape for me. You can always find me sitting doing work here or even just meeting a friend for some casual conversations. Along with the free wifi it provides, the place offers a welcoming atmosphere for all who enters.

The jazz music in the background with the quiet conversations filling the room., people are driven to come in and enjoy their purchases on site. This café leaves you wanting more. More time to think, more time to write, more time to talk, it gives you a sense of time slowing down even if the minutes are ticking  as fast as the people passing by outside on the streets.  For those of you who refuse to invest a dime in this environment, you are truly missing out

So today when you are feeling stressed or busy, come in and take a minute lose yourself in such a delightful environment. Search for the green mermaid..It might just change your mood or calm you down. Take it from a coffee lover (maybe even addict) and enjoy those coffee beans, diverse teas and mini scones. Enjoy !

Fearless- An old lesson becomes the biggest asset.

Like most of you know, I played for the James Madison Dukes for four years in Virginia. It was one of the best experiences in my life. Coming from Canada, I quickly felt welcomed by the best teammates I could have ever asked for and an environment you can only grow and prosper in. This campus is filled with desire for change and people that are proactive about what they want their institution to reflect. Playing for the Dukes, I learned many valuable lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

My last year with the Dukes started by welcoming 3 new coaches Lauren, Ron and Casey. Each individually bringing their distinctive beliefs, attitudes, techniques and set of rules. They were such a compatible group for being each so very different. During my last summer training season, our coaches gave us a book by John Waitzkin, The Art of Learning. We were told before reading that we would have to fill in journal entries from a question given to us to reflect upon. Each week, we answered a question posed by either Casey, Lauren or Ron. We learned valuable lessons that we could adapt in our lives as athletes but also as human beings.
Yesterday, I found myself revisiting theses entries and seeing what I wrote, what type of questions were asked and how I answered at the time I was playing for the Dukes. I stumbled upon one entry that talked about mental resilience. A trait that is not always mastered if we are not proactive about making it a habit. The entry started by stating:

"The soft zone is resilient. It is all about intelligent preparation and cultivated resilience. In this zone, you are calm and collected. You are unshakable.  A hard zone entails one to be in a state of pressure which he or she feels tense and demands all the energy you might have to fight of distraction. It is not a comfortable or desirable state."


We tend to let the hard zone control are every word and move. I could almost say we feel comfortable in the hard zone because we can create excuses and reasons why things are not working out. We feel sorry for ourselves and attempt to make those around us feel compassionate about our situation. It takes courage to step away from this mindset. And it takes willingness to back away from something so comfortable yet detrimental to our goals and pursuits. 

The entry ended with this thought:
"Mental resilience consists of the unshakable desire to be focused on nothing else but the task at hand. It requires to have creativity and carving a path the excellence by overcoming fear or any other distracting obstacles." 

It is not necessary to try to run away from fear. No, instead you should acknowledge what it is you  fear, and make peace with it in order to move on. The ability to master this idea is difficult because we don't want to believe that we can be fearless. But you can, you can be fearless. Fearless in the way you walk, fearless in the way you talk, fearless in your friendships, fearless in your projects, desires and objectives. Being fearless is not being careless or reckless. Being fearless is a way of life. 

Take some time to know what it is you fear, what is holding you back and what is keeping you stagnate, make peace with these thoughts and go for it. Go for what you want and never look back. Because in the end, people will respect and support you if you are honest with what you really want.
Someone once told me "Jess, good leaders gain respect from people, great leaders gain respect from people who respect themselves because of them." I think that these great leaders are fearless because they have the ability to ignite a fire within people that they feel within themselves. 

To my coaches, if you read this, thank you for teaching me this way of life, to be fearless in the hard zones of life.

 

Proactive vs. Reactive

We hear that people constantly fall between these two categories, proactive or reactive. Living our day to day lives, we begin to see how we will take on life through the hand we are dealt and how we feel about the circumstances we are under.

Webster dictionary defines proactive as “acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes” and defines reactive as “readily responsive to a stimulus.” Both these definition offer an explanation we can attempt to understand when trying to define these terms. The concepts are much more complex, but to sum it up or attempt to briefly describe it is almost as important as trying to over define it.

Although definitions are more words that are in need to be defined, I believe they help provide us understand the meaning to what we hope the word entails. The way I see being proactive individual is seeking out opportunities through multiple venues. Seeking contacts that share the same vision or have the ability to connect with a network of people that seek out the same motives you may share, is imperative to reaching a point on contentment or even a step closer to what you truly want. It is setting goals and actually implementing steps on how you will get there. Not waiting for something to happen to actually start setting objectives, but actively writing what it is you want to see or get.

Reactive solutions are usually the path people take in life. For example, someone invests in a cause they think is just. They spend money; time and effort towards a goal they believe is fantastic and end up getting disappointed, manipulated and left with nothing but the bill. The only thing you can do from this situation is react. You can either sit and cry in the corner feeling sorry for yourself or you can find a way to better your situation. Take initiative to find a solution. There is no situation awful enough or impossible to get better from and come out on top. It takes courage and willingness to find a way but the way is worth investing in.

I think there is a time and place to act both proactively and reactively. I think a combination of both is necessary to live your life because we can say that one is not sufficient to meet your goals. Life is filled with successes and failures and the need to be reactive about your failures and proactive about your successes and vice-versa for both, is key to live a fulfilling life.

Who's got it right?

Debates on the philosophies of life are common among humanity. It is something we talk about, although we may not have a definite or concrete answer. How to live ones life is always a complex and multifaceted subject as there are so many ways we choose to embrace every day. Today I had a heavy breakfast discussion about how one should pursue life. I encountered two perceptions under one roof, sitting at one table.

From one point of view, we have people that say that you constantly should live your life by pursuing your hopes and dreams. That life is lived my setting goals, embarking on the journey to get there and savoring the moment before undertaking a new objective. The importance of putting yourself out there to reap the benefits of our aspirations and visions is the only path we can take in order to live a fulfilled life. Setting goals is crucial to our existence and our happiness. There is struggle, anxiety and stress that comes with pursing what you want, but it is worth it in the end when you get what you want.

From another point of view, it seems that you have to content yourself from what you have. Life is hard and you work with what you've got. There is no sense to always chase dreams and goals when you can enjoy what is already established. The sense of calm and serenity comes from not investing into something that might jepordize what is already there.

As I listen to both these point of views, I try to understand where I stand. At the age of 22, I find myself in a foreign country, working towards my goals, proactively seeking opportunities and writing down everything I am going to do and how I will get there. I am surrounded by so many distinctive individuals living the lives they have chosen to live and try to understand why they think and do a certain way. I know that personally I have always pursued what I have wanted because I know the importance of setting goals and taking an adventure to get there. On the other hand, I also sympathize with living with what you've got. While this may appear as a constraining thought that may lead to an existential crisis, I see myself as a young individual trying to find her place through an optimistic and determined point of view.

Now, I know I do not usually do this but what do you think readers? Where do you stand? What do you think is the right way to live life? I am interested in knowing because I want to understand and get closer to comprehending the complexity of this philosophy. Please feel free to comment as I will enjoy reading what you have to say. I look forward to your comments.

Carnival à la Fribourgeois

People dressed in their colorful and eccentric attire filled the streets in the village of Fribourg. Carnival is finally here. Although we may not find the hot temperature we find in Brazil, great numbers of people gathered for the festivities in lower town Fribourg. Music, food, drinks and laughter are in abundance as the Fribourgeois are finally on vacation for a week.

This Fribourgeois medieval tradition is celebrated right before Mardi gras and lent. A jovial site to see if you are ever in Switzerland around this time of year. There is a sense of indulgence and community for a few days before this Catholic tradition kicks off. I enjoyed seeing the various colored masks and wigs people mixed and matched for this festivities.

Next time I have the chance to participate in carnival, I am sure to dress up. What better time, other than Halloween, to enjoy dressing up and being someone else for the night. The sense of celebration was in the air and I like the sense of community that surrounds this celebration as it is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in this quiet and quaint village. 

Entre amis, j'ai toujours envie (Between friends, I always feel like it)

Grabbed the train to Fribourg to spend some quality time with my friends Julie and Giz. It is amazing to see how we all come from different backgrounds and pasts, yet we share so many of the same values, aspirations and visions.

As I arrived at the train station, Julie awaited to bring me to our friend Giz' place. I walked into her warm and welcoming apartment smelling of good food and the feeling of happiness and friendship filling the room. We greeted each other cheerfully and awaited Giz' lovely boyfriend Adel to join us for dinner. The night was filled with laughter, good conversation,great food, stories and a sense of friendship I never thought I would find so quickly arriving to Switzerland.

Waking up we enjoyed our breakfast and coffee. Now, we are spending the day exploring a country foreign to us with excitement and anticipation. Being among friends makes the journey adventurous and meaningful. Off I go bundled up for the blistering cold of this small town. It's worth it!

Patience, the biggest of virtues

We spend our lives thinking about what we want to do, where we want to go, how we want to contribute to the world and society and discover who we really are. From society’s pressure to immediately succeed to our own ambitions filtering through our minds, we find that the only thing we can do is take it a day at a time. As we choose the walk of life we want to take, it is imperative to stay true to yourself and what you believe in. Parents spend our childhood’s loading us with values they hope we will keep once we are faced with the realities of life.

Looking at life, sometimes we are faced with making decisions that are not always the easiest. Pressured by our own mind, body and soul, we attempt to make the most logical and rational decision. While this is key to success and growth, the importance of doing things with your touch of personality and uniqueness makes the journey easier and worth the while.

Whether you desire to change the world or simply impact a life, the key ingredient to get there is patience. The world takes you on a whirlwind of adventures bringing success and failure but patience is the element that makes you stronger and inevitably brings you what you truly desire. Standing patient in a chaotic world shows character. Along with determination, passion, hard work and resilience, patience reinforces all values you have acquired over the years.

I find myself in a time where patience is everything. Waiting to see where the world takes me, I remain proactive about every aspect of my life. There is no sense on focusing your energy on only one part of your life, we must multitask, or even say juggle, important elements that strengthen and stabilize who you really are.

Aristotle once said “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” That said, if we practice patience, patience becomes a habit instead of a burden we tend to see it as. So, as you go about your day expecting people to do things in your favor, processes to be accomplished immediately and finding a way where question meets answer, remember that when your solution or end finally arrives, the ones who will appreciate there final product the most are the one’s who exemplified the very essence of patience.,

Milan, fashion city and much more

After a long day attending the Annual Security Forum at Webster University Geneva, I packed my bag and headed to Cornavin train station in central Geneva. I bought my ticket to the one place I know I could always count on (other than my parents place) to lift my spirits after a week of running around. I sat on the 5 hour train ride to Milan, awaiting to see my smiling godmother on the other end. The trip was fun as I met many people and heard their life stories. From the Nigerian farmer  to the Italian-Swiss Domino's Pizza  employer, it was interesting to see where they had come from, what they had gone through, and where they were going.

Arriving at Milano Centrale, I took a taxi to my family's apartment. I was welcomed by cousins I had not seen in years and a whole lot of amazing food. It was nice to see how everyone was doing and see how much we had all grown from the last time we had seen each other. The next day, I spent my time running around with my godmother in their numerous famous bakeries, Princi. (princi.it) This bakery is more than just a manufacturer of baked goods and bread. It offers unbeatable service in an exquisite environment. People flood into the café expecting quality which is delivered to every client. It makes me proud that my family owns this bakery because I know how hard they have worked to expand their network of state of the arts bread, brioche and gastronomy.

Milan is inhabited by luxurious trendsetting individuals which gives the city the reputation it deserves. But there is more to this metropolitan. People are kind and welcoming. The culture is beautifully unique. And the food is to die for. I loved this weekend getaway because, most of all, it recharged my batteries and made me ready to take on the world by storm.

Milan's swag has surely rubbed off on me in these short few days. I head back to Geneva with even more determination and  an optimistic state of mind. For, ciao Milano, ci vediamo presto. Gruezi Geneva!!

Chaos in the Cold

Wrapped in full winter attire, I stand at the bus stop with fellow Genevois. Although the street is filled with honking horns and city life noise, teeth chattering seems to be loudest. A climate most are not use to, I find myself  at home with this blistering cold and winds. What is most interesting about this small cosmopolitan is the way it slows down when the temperature is below 0. Buses run late, people are in panic and walking more than 200 m is unbearable. Well, at least we still have our good health and happiness, so keep good thoughts in your head and a smile on your face because in the end we can't control the weather but we can control the way we react to it.

March will soon be here and flowers will begin to bloom in no time. So, for now bundle up, cover up and smile, because in the end you are the one setting the tone for your busy day ahead.

Gruyère, more than just cheese

Yesterday's tourist visit to the Castle of Gruyère proved to be quite interesting. Although many of you, including myself, might have assumed it is a production site for the cheese, it goes beyond the expectations. A castle in the middle of the Alps sitting on the edge of a hill takes your breath away as you are driving up towards it. From above, you almost feel like you are the king (or queen) of the castle. The air was crisp, the snow-topped houses below were endearing and as the clouds parted during our walk, the mountains and landscape were picturesque.

Inside the castle, I saw an exhibition of the Fribourgois artist Markus Peissard. The brilliant photographer captures the essence of ice as it metamorphoses. What shocked me the most as I passed through the gallery initially, was the thought these were paintings, but in the end they were pictures with so much texture and detail. We finished by seeing the a multimedia video on the history of the castle which is rich and detailed, so if you are interested, check out their website.

As we gathered in the kitchen for dinner, we prepared the typical ingredients for a fondue, cheese, cheese and more cheese. While it is not a meal I could eat everyday, it was delicious and I intend to eat again sometime soon. Finishing the night off, we sat as a family next to the fire place and laughed at the 3-hour humor show on television. I have to say, after a stressful and busy week, this weekend was exactly what I needed. Now I am off back to Geneva for more fun and adventure! 

Here is the official site for Gruyère for the curious:
http://www.chateau-gruyeres.ch/

Grüezi Friburrrrrrrrrg (teeth chatter)

Minus 14 Celsius with a wind-shield factor is never an ideal temperature to stroll in the small village of Fribourg. As I get up to bring my uncle to the local train station for his departure to Algeria, I sit with my aunt and cousin to enjoy an espresso in a café. We chat about life, the world and topics of the sort. A perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

Proceeding my uncle Salem's departure to Geneva's International Airport, we stop at a bakery to pick up fresh bread for breakfast. We gather around the table with Switzerland's finest jams, cheese, coffee and tea to enjoy each others company before departing for a touristic day in the neighboring towns. This country is more than just Alps, vast landscape and small villages, it is filled with history, art, culture and beauty. Well, off I go to play tourist before Sunday evening catches up to me. Tschüss (Goodbye in Swiss-Geman) for now !

When the going gets tough, get tougher

We are always told the importance of having thick skin. It is important to stay strong when life seems to turn in a way you may not have expected. I believe that sometimes we are challenged because we need to understand that life is not always paved the way we may have planned it. But I think it is the reason we grow. Sometimes we are told we must change the way we look,. act, feel or believe, but in the end, we must stay true to ourselves because if we don't believe in who we are, who will?

When you are having a tough time and it seems that all odds are against you, just remember to stay true to yourself. Never settle because someone thinks you should. Cashing in your values because you think it is the right move is actually the biggest mistake you will ever make. So, when the going get tough, get tougher!  

"You can always take the easy way out & give up but real strength comes when you decide to keep pushing no matter what the circumstances are." (thanks to whoever said these powerful words.)

From Istanbul to London to Geneva

Born in Adana but raised in Ankara and Istanbul, Gizmenur Ozdinc grew up in a diplomatic arena. She did her undergraduate studies in Ankara in international relations and travelled to the University of Westminster in England to complete a master program in international security where she focused primarily on human security. Her past experiences with NGOs in London allowed her to be well-equipped for her apprenticeship with the Institute for Media and Global Governance (IMGG) in Geneva Switzerland.

Her humble character exuberate a positive energy in the office as she is truly passionate to help the humanitarian sector.  A well-travelled and experienced individual, Giz came to work with IMGG because of her passion to human rights and the ability of media to act as a tool for change. She hopes to get project management skills at the end of her stage. “I will get so much knowledge I could not get from school or books.” Her desire for hands-on work will allow her to act as a dynamic contingent for future opportunities.

 From event planning, to fundraising to networking, Giz hopes to come out with essential tools she can use in her future career.  She hopes to work for an NGO related in prevention of torture, human security or human rights.

Her most rewarding accomplishment so far is two-folded. On paper, she is proud of her master degree in international security. In practice, her work with Women’s Platform in London was incredibly rewarding. “I felt like what I was doing something for humans, for women and children.”

Hopeful for the future, she envisions the humanitarian sector as a productive and effective product for change. Giz tells those intending to enter this field to stay positive and persistent as it is very competitive. “If you are not ambitious, you will not survive in this world and this line of work.” Remaining true to her values and ambitions, Giz understands what it takes to succeed in the humanitarian sector.

“If you work for a government, you work for a statesman. If you work for a corporation or business, you work for a fat-cat. But if you work for an NGO, you work for a mission.” As she stated with tenacity, I understood that it was people like her that makes me want to continue in this field as there is hope that others feel the same way as she does. In her early 20s, Giz understands that it is about sticking to your values and not giving into the system that leads to a rewarding life.